There’s a brand new artisan market event that’s gearing up to arrive in Ashton-under-Lyne in only a matter of weeks.
The Market Co – an established operator already well-known across Greater Manchester for hosting other market events in Urmston and Haigh Woodland Park, as well as in Wilmslow, Northwich and Chesterfield – will host its first, highly-anticipated Ashton Artisan Market at Market Square later this month.
It’s hoped that the markets will breathe new life into Ashton town centre as it emerges and bounces back from the effects of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The event is set to take place on the last Saturday of every month.
Nearly 100 of the “very finest artisan market traders” will be lining the square to offer a high-quality range of authentic goods with an emphasis on all that is “local, ethical and original”, so whether you’re after something for tea, a gift for a friend, a treat for someone special or simply stocking up on essentials that you can’t get anywhere else, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
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“There’s nothing else like what we do in the area at the moment,” said Denise Valente, Director at The Market Co.
“We are encouraging traders from Tameside to get involved, as well as some from our other markets [and] we are trying to keep things as local as possible”.
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So, what can we expect then?
According to The Market Co website, the Ashton Artisan Market is set to be a “magnificent spectacle” that gives visitors an opportunity to browse stalls, taste the culinary treats, talk to artists, vintage dealers and designer-makers, or sample some the hot authentic street food whilst being entertained by local musicians.
Denise continued: “All the products have to meet our quality criteria and everything has to be handmade by the artisan that is selling it, whether that’s scones and bread, or jewellery and arts.
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“We are also going to bring in some really exciting street food and local musicians, and it should be a really nice atmosphere and a good addition to the events taking place in Tameside as we move out of lockdown”.
Denise – who has been running artisan markets for the past 10 years – also admits that there was a real enthusiasm from Tameside Council to launch the event in Ashton, and she believes that it will give the town centre a much-needed boost.
“High streets need people to return to them,” she added.
“Especially after the pandemic when people are going to be wary, so we need to give them a good reason to come”.
“All the traders will have masks and there are extensive sanitary regulations they have to adhere to, we also encourage full social distancing for traders and customers, and for the public to wear face masks [too]
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“We will also have free-standing hand sanitiser stations.
“We want people to feel comfortable to come to the event and for traders to feel safe”.
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The first Ashton Artisan Market will take place on Saturday 24th April, with the event continuing to run on the last Saturday of every month throughout 2021.
The event will run from 10am – 4pm.
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You can find more information about traders, location, and COVID safety measures here.
Featured Image – The Market Co / Aberrant Perspectives
What's On
Manchester Christmas Parade 2023 returns this weekend – road closures and travel advice
Daisy Jackson
One of the city’s newer festive events will return to the city centre this weekend when the Manchester Christmas Parade hits the streets.
On Sunday 3 December, hundreds of snow queens, candy cane stilt walkers, dancing snowmen, giant Nutrackers, reindeer, owls, festive dinosaurs and even dancing sprouts will parade through town.
The festive event debuted last year and is now promising a bigger and better parade for 2023.
The Manchester Christmas Parade is due to set off at 1pm from Manchester Cathedral, following a route down Deansgate, onto St Ann’s Street, then along Cross Street and Corporation Street as far as the National Football Museum, where it will turn onto Fennel Street for the finish.
Father Christmas will be popping along to join in the festivities, along with the life-size Bengal tiger puppet of Richard Parker from The Life Of Pi, which is at The Lowry between 5 December and 7 January.
The Manchester Christmas Parade will be soundtracked by live music from the Global Grooves Nutcracker Bloco Band playing Santa’s favourite Christmas songs, joined by troupes of dancers dressed in their sparkly best Christmas kit.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s Christmas spokesperson said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back again for another fabulous Manchester Christmas Parade.
“Last year’s first ever parade was an absolute delight, the heart-warming event of the season, with Manchester at its magical Merry Christmas best.
“Bigger and even better this year it’s going to be brilliant so wrap up warm, grab a Christmas hat and some tinsel and come and join us!”
To facilitate the Manchester Christmas Parade, road closures and changes to public transport will be necessary.
The Manchester Christmas Parade 2023 route mapThe Manchester Christmas Parade 2022
Road closures for the Manchester Christmas Parade 2023
Road closures from 8am until 5pm:
Victoria Street
Road closures from 11am until 2.30pm:
Cateaton Street (Deansgate to End)
St Mary Gate (Cross Street to Deansgate)
Deansgate ( Victoria Street to John Dalton)
St Ann’s Street (St Mary’s Street to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Albert Square to Market Street)
Corporation Street (Market Street to Fennel Street)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
Access to the Marks and Spencer car-park will be managed as much as possible via Victoria Bridge Street, but there will be two periods of approximately 20 minutes when we’ll have to pause this.
Changes on on-street parking and Metrolink
As well as a Metrolink tram suspension of the Second City Crossing route (St Peter’s Square, Princess Street, Albert Square, Cross Street and Corporation Street) between 12 noon and 2.30pm on Sunday, there will be on-street parking suspension on the following streets:
From 6pm on Friday 1 December until 6pm on Sunday 3 December:
Victoria Street (Deansgate to Cathedral Approach)
From 6pm on Saturday 2 December until 6pm on Sunday 3 December:
Market Street and St Mary Gate (Cross Street to Deansgate)
Deansgate ( Victoria Street to John Dalton)
St Ann’s Street (St Mary’s Street to Cross Street)
Cross Street (Albert Square to Market Street)
Corporation Street (Cross Street to Ring Road)
Cateaton Street (All)
Cathedral Street (Fennel Street to Exchange Square)
Fennel Street (Corporation Street to Cathedral Street)
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 4 – 10 December 2023
Emily Sergeant
December is well and truly underway now, and so are all the festivities.
We know we’ve been talking about it for weeks at this point, but there’s no denying ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is upon us now, is there? And so it’s absolutely no surprise that the Greater Manchester events calendar is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of festive celebrations and activities to get stuck into as Christmas nears closer.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, luckily, we’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide this week.
Here’s some of our recommendations.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2023
Manchester City Centre
Monday 4 – Thursday 21 December
Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 / Credit: Manchester City Council | The Manc Group
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are officially open for 2023.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with more than 225 stalls across nine sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 here.
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Skate Manchester
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 4 – Sunday 31 December
Skate Manchester 2023 / Credit: Skate Manchester
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2023 with twinkling lights, the smell of gingerbread, and Christmas songs playing on repeat, Skate Manchester’s stunning outdoor ice rink is in the heart of the city at Cathedral Gardens right up until the new year.
With the covered rink’s convenient roof allowing everyone to enjoy the ice, whatever the weather, visitors of all ages are invited to glide over the ice and admire the glorious Christmas tree right in the centre.
This brand-new immersive experience is made up of several spectacular light displays, unique lantern installations, and a captivation sound-scape dotted around the pristine new park – with each circuit estimated to take around half an hour.
The Twilight Trail is now open, and running right through until the new year, and you can find out more and grab tickets here.
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Santa Specials
East Lancashire Railway
Monday 4 – Sunday 24 December
Santa Specials / Credit: ELR
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials‘ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Have you heard that Sides, the already-viral chicken shop launched by YouTubers The Sidemen, has now opened its doors here in Manchester?
Having joined the collection of food and drink outlets in Halle Place at Manchester Arndale, Sides has a menu centred around double-coated Nashville tenders, which are tossed 120 times (no more, no less), and if you’re into your wings their seven signature sauces are the perfect addition.
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There’s also crispy chicken wings, burgers, chicken and waffles, and a whole host of other side dishes like waffle fries, mac n cheese bites, BBQ beans, chilli poppers, and halloumi sticks.
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back, and they’re bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks.
And this year, there’s not one, but two locations in Manchester city centre.
While Bar Hütte at Great Northern Square is heading back to Deansgate, with 15 cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under a heated stretch tent and twinkling lights, Bar Hütte at Kampus will also see a new outdoor terrace, comprising of eight snug, wooden karaoke hüttes nestled beneath the trees, and an ‘Aprés Ski Bungalow’ serving as an indoor alpine bar.
Cheshire Oaks’ beloved grotto looks a little different to usual in 2023.
That’s because the big man in red and his trusty elves are taking to the skies once again this year, and are inviting you on a fantastical festive adventure on the outlet’s ‘Big Wheel’.
Open every weekend and on selected weekday dates throughout December, the ‘Santa in the Sky’ experience is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas as a family this winter, and make memories to last a lifetime.
A brand-new breathtaking light trail has officially opened at Heaton Park this Christmas.
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Transforming the popular Manchester park into a twinkling winter wonderland, visitors will get to walk through fields of colour-changing orbs of light, venture among larger-than-life glowing flowers, and even wander through a giant twinkling tunnel as part of the all-new seasonal light display.
Neon strings will reach high into the sky and a laser garden will light up its space with thousands of tiny beams of light.
Have you heard there’s a brand-new winter menu at The Botanist?
The Botanist may have already been known for its imaginative food and drink creations for quite some time now, but its new winter menu for 2023 is something else – with everything from indulgent sharing boards, oozy Camembert bread loaves, and mouthwatering twists on Christmas classics on the lineup to choose from.
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Some of the other stand-out dishes have to be the classic turkey hanging kebabs, pies topped with pigs in blankets, and s’mores cookie dough skillets.
Land of Lights has transformed Gulliver’s World in Warrington into an immersive winter wonderland with 12 “vivid dreamworlds” full of dozens of gigantic lanterns that are inspired by animals, mega monuments, and wonders of the natural world.
As the sun goes down and the nights draw in, visitors to the North West attraction can explore an amazing array of light installations as they walk all around the park.
Christmas Screenings / Credit: King Street Townhouse
A whole host of classic Christmas films are hitting the big screen at the little cinema tucked away inside King Street Townhouse this month.
With a marathon of three films set to be screened on each day of the event, the Christmas screenings schedule kicks off this Saturday with the absolute cult-classic that is Elf – which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its release this year – all before you can sit down to watch Love Actually, and Home Alone on the same day.
Other festive favourites on the lineup across other weekends include It’s a Wonderful Life, The Holiday, The Muppet Christmas Carol, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, and Bad Santa.
Manchester’s ‘Festive Sundays’ have made a comeback this Christmas after thousands flocked to see the enchanting events last year.
After proving to be a smash-hit success during the inaugural year in 2022, the city centre’s main shopping streets will be filled with “captivating” parades and performances that are set to “surprise visitors of all ages”.
Organised by Manchester BID, the free event series sees roaming performers and illuminated acts take to the streets across St Ann’s Square, King Street, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, and Manchester Arndale every Sunday until 17 December.
Find out more about on the ‘Festive Sundays’ lineup here.
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Featured Image – Chester Zoo | The Botanist | CityCo
Emily Sergeant -
7th April 2021 
